The caliber .50 cartridge consists of a cartridge case, primer, propelling
charge, and the bullet. The term bullet refers only to the small-arms projectile.
There are eight types of ammunition issued for use in the caliber .50 machine
gun. The tips of the various rounds are color-coded to indicate their type.
The ammunition is linked with the M2 or M9 metallic links for use in the machinegun.

Cartridge

Use

M2 Ball

In marksmanship training, against personnel, and light materiel
targets.